Leica presents LUX as a photo application aimed at both experienced photographers and beginners. Developed for the moment only for iOS (from version 17.1) and iPhones, it aims to replace the native application offered by Apple on its smartphones. It allows you to take photos in automatic or manual mode, simulate Leica lens renderings and apply Leica “looks” or image styles.
The new Leica LUX app.
© Leica
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The arrival of Leica LUX comes after the acquisition, at the end of 2023, of the Norwegian company Fjorden Electra AS, which works on the development of Leica’s Mobile Business branch. The two companies are complementary: on the one hand, the development of accessories and applications for smartphones, on the other, the expertise in the areas of image processing and quality of the Leica Camera AG teams Mobile Imaging.
Simulation of iconic Leica M lenses
The first function of Leica LUX is to simulate the rendering or signature of emblematic Leica lenses such as the Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 ASPH or the prestigious and expensive Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. This simulation is made possible thanks to image processing from Leica which is based on machine learning and computer-assisted photography. This simulation is also capable of taking into account the very particular bokeh of Leica lenses.
Who has never dreamed of using the iconic Leica M lenses?
© Leica
Leica “looks” to give style to your photos
To go even further, it is also possible to apply Leica looks, in other words image styles, to photographs and take advantage of the brand’s color science. For example, we find Leica Classic, Leica Contemporary or even Leica Black and White looks. In total, 11 Leica looks are offered, including five monochrome: natural black and white, high contrast black and white, blue, selenium and sepia.
Advanced settings in manual mode
Finally, Leica LUX also offers an advanced or expert shooting mode with the possibility of taking control of several exposure parameters, like on a traditional camera. It is thus possible to adjust the shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, white balance, autofocus or manual focus and access an exposure corrector. You can also choose a recording mode in RAW or ProRAW.
With the Leica LUX application, you can simulate the rendering of Leica lenses, apply looks to photos and make manual adjustments.
© Leica
A “freemium” application system
The Leica LUX application is on a “freemium” model. We therefore find a free version which gives access to the automatic photo mode and aperture, to the simulation of the Leica Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 ASPH. and five Leica looks. The Pro version, offered by subscription from €7.99 per month, gives access to the simulation of all lenses (five for the moment), to all Leica looks (11 in total) and to the mode of manual shooting. The publisher announces regular updates to its application with the arrival of new objectives and features.
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